News-Antique.com - Feb 14,2010 - London, England, (February 11, 2010) - Ingle & Rhode, the UK's principal retailer of ethical jewellery and custom engagement rings produced using conflict-free diamonds and fair trade gold, comment on the recent resignation of Martin Rapaport from the World Diamond Council over the current state of the Kimberley Certification process.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KP) was an agreement reached in 2003 by various diamond producing nations to certify specific shipments of rough diamonds as 'conflict free'. It was designed to stop rebel groups and factions from being funded by the sale of blood diamonds and to assure consumers that the diamonds they purchase are free from human rights violations.

However, Rapaport, who is regarded as a key figure in the development of the Kimberley Process, tendered his resignation after calling the Kimberley Process "a sham". Highly-respected human rights campaigner Ian Smillie also condemned the KP last year, citing failing regulation systems and vast industry complacency. He resigned his post from Kimberley's governing body shortly after launching his criticism.

"We believe that Martin Rapaport's resignation is the final confirmation, if more were needed, that when a retailer talks about their diamonds being 'Kimberley Process' certified, it means next to nothing," says Tim Ingle of Ingle & Rhode. "There is a long way to go before most retailers will truthfully be able to claim that they source ethical diamonds, and it's a shame that a high-profile resolution such as the Kimberley Process is failing to do its job. We applaud Martin Rapaport, however, for taking a bold stand and resigning in the way that he did. Hopefully the trade will sit up, take notice, and act accordingly."

Find out more about Ingle & Rhode and their range of ethical designer and bespoke jewellery at: http://www.ingleandrhode.co.uk/ or contact them on 0207 917 9515.